Jul 22, 201512:43 PM

Five fun ways to experience whitewater rafting this summer

A wet 'n' wild adventure awaits on the American River at these five adventurous rafting excursions, including Whitewater Connection (pictured above).

Summer is on, and whitewater rafting is alive and well in the wake of California’s historic drought.

Despite the lack of rainfall and snowpack, the South Fork and Middle Fork of the American River are still churning with rapids, thanks to their locations downstream of hydro-electric dams, which are required to release water on a schedule to generate electricity for the surrounding communities.

“[SMUD and PG&E] have to release the water anyway, they are just doing it within a certain time frame so we might have this other recreational possibility, and also satisfy the natural environment and generate power,” says Arnie Chandola, owner of American Whitewater Expeditions. “It’s a big cycle and the rafting is only a small part of it.”

The American River is one of the only rivers in the state that can be rafted on this season. From now through Labor Day, the dams’ releases generate rapids on its South Fork from Thursday to Monday, and on the Middle Fork from Friday to Sunday and on Tuesday.

With more than a dozen rafting companies offering trips on the 21-mile South Fork and 18-mile Middle Fork of the American River in the area, there are a ton of options for veteran rafters, wet-behind-the-ears newbies and outdoor adventure-seekers alike. (Beginners are recommended to start with South Fork, which has class III rapids and more seasoned oar-wielders can jump into Middle Fork, which boasts class IV rapids.) Packages range from $85 per person for a half-day of rafting to $399 per person for a three-day excursion, which includes meals, camping and 36 miles of thrilling river excitement.

For those looking for a slightly more unique experience, we found five industry leaders in the area who add a little extra to their summer lineups.

American River Raft Rentals
If drifting is more your speed, American River Raft Rentals provides rafts for groups from four to 12 (as well as single and double person kayaks), paddles and life vests, and lets you sail away on the Lower Fork of the American River. These tours are self-guided, but the short (and still thrilling) San Juan rapids shouldn’t give any rafter too much trouble. $65-$175 for raft rentals. American River Raft Rentals. 11257 S. Bridge St. Rancho Cordova. 635-6400. raftrentals.com

American Whitewater Expeditions
Adventurous oenophiles can take advantage of the overnight Wine & Whitewater tours from American Whitewater Expeditions. Your group starts at base camp in Coloma and is shuttled around to explore El Dorado County wineries such as Madrona Vineyards, Lava Cap Winery and Gold Hill Vineyard & Brewery. After sipping your fill, head back to camp for dinner, complete with barbecued tri-tip, chicken and fish, and sides like corn and Caesar salad. You'll spend the night in tents at base camp and then rise early on day two to take on crashing rapids on either the South Fork for the Middle Fork. Wine & Whitewater tours start at $300 per person; rafting trips start at $89 per person. (530) 642-0804. americanwhitewater.com